Colorado Buffaloes Stumble Against northern Colorado in Shocking Upset
The Colorado Buffaloes faced a stinging defeat Sunday, falling 86-81 to Northern Colorado at the CU Events Center. this loss casts a shadow over their momentum heading into Big 12 Conference play. it marks Northern Colorado’s first victory over Colorado as february 18, 1936, a truly historic result for the Bears.
A Tale of Two Halves & Shooting Prowess
Colorado (10-3) struggled defensively, allowing Northern Colorado to capitalize on their opportunities. The Bears showcased remarkable shooting accuracy, particularly in the second half. They connected on an astounding 73.9% of their shots (17-for-23) after halftime and finished the game hitting 11 of 21 three-point attempts.
Key performances & Turning Points
Quinn Denker,returning from a two-game injury absence,spearheaded Northern Colorado’s attack with a game-high 33 points. His presence proved pivotal in securing the upset. For Colorado, freshman Isaiah Johnson delivered a standout performance, scoring a season-best 25 points. However, even his efforts weren’t enough to overcome Northern colorado’s hot shooting and balanced offense.
Game Statistics at a Glance
Here’s a breakdown of the key stats from the game:
* Northern Colorado: 31-for-59 shooting (52.5%), 11-for-21 on 3-pointers (52.4%), 39 rebounds, 17 assists.
* Colorado: 30-for-76 shooting (39.5%), 7-for-23 on 3-pointers (30.4%), 37 rebounds, 11 assists.
* Individual Scoring Leaders: Quinn Denker (UNC – 33 points), Isaiah Johnson (CU – 25 points).
* Halftime Score: Northern Colorado 37-35.
Detailed Scoring Breakdown
Northern Colorado (86)
* Nyeri: 5 points
* Wisne: 13 points
* Yamazaki: 19 points
* Bloch: 8 points
* Denker: 33 points
* shields: 8 points
* delano: 0 points
* Mawien: 0 points
Colorado (81)
* Dak: 16 points
* Rancik: 14 points
* Malone: 6 points
* Hargress: 18 points
* Kossaras: 2 points
* Johnson: 25 points
* Sanders: 0 points
* Holland: 0 points
* Ifaola: 0 points
What This Means for Colorado
this defeat is a wake-up call for the Buffaloes as they prepare for the challenges of Big 12 play. you can expect Coach Tad Boyle to emphasize defensive improvements in the coming practices. Addressing their shooting consistency will also be crucial for success in a highly competitive conference.
Looking Ahead
Colorado needs to quickly regroup and refocus. The Big 12 is known for its intensity and physicality, and this loss highlights areas where the team must improve to compete at that level. Your attention will now turn to how the Buffaloes respond to this setback and prepare for their upcoming conference games.
